Suspended Accountant-General Ahmed Idris Released From EFCC Custody

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has confirmed the release of the former Accountant General of the Federation (AGF), Mr Ahmed Idris from its custody.

Mr Wilson Uwujaren, the Head of Media and Public Affairs of the commission, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Abuja that Idris was released after meeting his bail conditions.

“I actually do not have idea of what the bail conditions are but all I can tell you is that he has been released after meeting his bail conditions,” he said.

NAN recalls that the former AGF was arrested on May 16, by the EFCC over alleged diversion and laundering of N80 billion.

The EFCC said verified intelligence reports showed that Idris raked off the funds through bogus consultancies and other illegal activities using proxies, family members and close associates.

The commission said the funds were laundered through real estate investments in Kano and Abuja.

It said Idris was arrested after he failed to honour invitations by the commission to respond to issues connected to the alleged fraudulent acts.

He also made confessional statements and provided traces of funds, withdrawals, and deposits in local and foreign currencies.

This led to the arrest of the former governor of Zamfara State, Abdulaziz Yari, and the Chairman and Managing Director of Finex Professional, Anthony Yaro, by the EFCC last week.

Sources within the EFCC also mentioned to our correspondent that the acting-AGF, Anamekwe Nwabuoku, who was appointed after Ahmed Idris’ suspension is also under surveillance concerning accusations of financial impropriety.

The allegations against him include overpayment to himself while serving in previous ministries and agencies.

He was also alleged to have perpetrated fraud through the Government Integrated Financial Management System used to pay salaries of Federal Government staff.

“Some of the alleged infractions occurred when Nwabuoku was the Director of Finance and Accounts, Ministry of Defence,” the source said.